The SONY HVR-A1U

[AllAroundFilmLV]

Quick Question:

can the SONY HVR-A1U record SD? and is it 1 CMOS, or a 3 CMOS sensor?

[scannon]

The Sony HVR-V1U camera uses 3 1/4" CMOS sensors. With HDV/DVCAM/DV recording formats.

HDV 1080p24, 1080p30, and 1080 60i video capture, recorded as 60i (24p recorded with 2:3 pull down)
3 ClearVid CMOS Imagers, 1.12M Pixels Gross
14-bit Enhanced Imaging Processor, outputting a 1920x1080/60p 4:2:2 video signal
High quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar® T* Lens with Extra-low Dispersion, Fluorite Glass
20X Optical Zoom with built-in Digital Extender for 30x Effective Zoom (Approx.)
Super SteadyShot® Optical Stabilization System
USB port and i.LINK® DV Interface (IEEE1394)
MPEG2 Real Time Encode System for real time processing of HD data
HDMI Output
Switchable HDV/DVCAM/DV Format Recording
Built-in HD to SD down conversion via i.LINK interface and Component Analog output
3.5" (viewable area, measured diagonally) 16:9 Clear Photo LCD Display (211K Pixels)
Large 16:9 Color & B/W switchable EVF, with Simultaneous LCD Display Output
Wide range of Manual Shutter Speeds, from ¼ to 1/10,000 second, including 1/48
Shutter Display Readout in Seconds or Degrees
Manual Iris Control, with New Exposure modes
6 User Assignable Buttons for quick access to frequently used camera/VTR functions
Enhanced EVF/LCD Marker function, for Center, Aspect Ratio, Safety Zone, and Guide Frame
Expanded Focus Function in Black & White or Color, for easy confirmation of focus setting during manual focusing
EVF & LCD Peaking Indicator
Infinite Manual Zoom Ring
Manual Focus Ring, with Focus Distance Displayed in Feet or Meters
Histogram and Zebra Pattern in EVF/LCD
Exposure dial on Optical Axis of the Lens
Balanced Audio XLR input connectors (x2) w/Selectable Phantom Power
Time code Synchronization via i.LINK interface
Shot Transition Function offers automatic transition of various shooting parameters between shots
Hypergain Function
Handle mounted ZOOM / REC control
3 position ND filter switch
Up to 8 hours of normal operation on a single NPF970 battery


SCannon

[Huy Vu]

That's the V1U. He's asking about the A1U, which is a single 1/3'' CMOS HDV cam. It does record HD as well as SD (or just HD and in-camera downconvert).

[AllAroundFilmLV]

So do you guys think it would be a better buy than getting a DVX? since its HD. I ask b/c you guys have HD cams and I dont. So I am wondering what I should do.

[Huy Vu]

What's your budget?

[AllAroundFilmLV]

2000- 2500

[scannon]

That's the V1U. He's asking about the A1U, which is a single 1/3'' CMOS HDV cam. It does record HD as well as SD (or just HD and in-camera downconvert).

Getting Old and read it witout my glasses.:huh:

SCannon

[AllAroundFilmLV]

so would you suggest the DVX 3CCD Chip SD? or the A1U Single CMOS Chip HD

[Huy Vu]

I think you can find a used FX1 (3 1/3'' CCD) for that price which would be a step up from the A1U visually. It lacks XLR connection but a Beachtek adapter would correct that.

Also depending on what you shoot. If you want to do narrative film then I would go with the DVX because it has more extensive color control. If you do live event stuff then the FX1/A1U is definitely recommended. HD looks great but I've found that I use HD mainly for my own viewing. When delivering my work or posting stuff online I have to downconvert to SD anyway.

[AllAroundFilmLV]

Well, the way that I think of it is like this:

If I get an SD cam, all I have is SD. If I can get an inexpensive HD cam, like a used FX-1, then I can shoot SD for now and then move onto HD when Im ready.

Mainly what I want to do w/ the camera is shoot my school projects, and do more weddings. (I know everybody hates them, but its easy money and somebody has to do it.)

I also want to shoot shorts on my free time, and short docs.

[TimurCivan]

The A1u actually takes a VERY nice picture. think of it as the "new" TRV900. Straight up Video, but so small, and still so nice.

[AllAroundFilmLV]

Yeah but would it be suffecient enough for professional work?

[TimurCivan]

they shot alot of stuff with the TRV900. combat footage, deep jungle stuff, nature shows, etc. its definitly broadcast quality. the picture is great.

[Huy Vu]

Sounds like the A1U/FX1 is for you. My only complain about those cams is a lack of progressive mode, but if that's not a problem then go for it.

[TimurCivan]

1080i looks nice enough. i saw a Video art piece this past week, projected in 1080, shot in 1080i, but it was lit beautifully, and VERY well composed. honestly, i wasnt really to upset with the interlacing. good lighting, is what makesthe picutre look good. 24p is just icing.

[orangechair]

I have an A1U and I have been very pleased with the results for both personal projects and professional use. I agree that good lighting makes the picture. The one drawback that I see as someone who shoots live events is that the A1U is not very good in low light and I am not a big fan of the way the gain looks on it. It is very noisy. The DVX is a much better low light camera.

[TimurCivan]

well it is 1,4000$.... what can you expect.... But the Pro version, with the buil in XLRin puts in a very serious camera.

[AllAroundFilmLV]

and thats the V1U correct? Whats the difference between the FX1 and the V1U? The only thing i saw was that the FX1 has no XLR inputs, and the V1U does. Does anybody know?

[jsaadein]

What about the A1u in low light? Any thoughts?

[magi1500]

Until the V1U came out, I always had to pick between my A1U and the DVX100. Interlaced or SD? Ugh.

That said, I liked a lot of things about my A1U. You could pop off the XLR mount and take it on vacation. The audio quality was great and, as long as it had plenty of light, the picture had great levels of detail. In low light it looked fine, but it suddenly looked like SD.

But... I sold my A1U the week before the V1U came out. So there's that then.

:)